Science & Research Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Environmental Scientist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median environmental scientist salary in Springfield, IL is $65,051 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$65,051
vs State Avg
$-7,653
vs National
$-11,479
Cost of Living
85%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,051, which is $7,653 below the Illinois state average of $72,704. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $65,051 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,531 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Springfield spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $107,100 at the 90th percentile — a $66,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,000. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,300
$-11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $50,150
Median (50th) $65,051
75th Percentile $84,150
90th Percentile $107,100

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$82,652
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$81,887
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$72,704
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$62,755
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Springfield

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Springfield and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $65,051 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,051, a environmental scientist in Springfield earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Springfield's median environmental scientist salary of $65,051 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $72,704. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $65,051 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Springfield? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Springfield require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.